Centre bans Islamic State, hunts for sympathisers

New Delhi: The dreaded ISIS terror group has been banned in India, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed on Tuesday, days after a Bangalore techie was allegedly found tweeting in support of the terrorist organisation.

"We have banned this organisation (ISIS) as a first step. I will like to inform (the House) that the group has been banned under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said during the Question Hour.

The Home Minister said the group has been proscribed under the provisions of UAPA that relates to organisations listed in the Schedule to the U N Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism (Implementation of Security Council Resolutions) Order, 2007 made under section two of the United Nations (Security Council) Act, 1947 and amended from time to time.

Noting that the government took cognisance immediately after ISIS activities began to spread in different parts of the world, Singh said ISIS has been prohibited.

There is "negligible" support from Indian youth for ISIS, Singh said it cannot be said with guarantee about whether they are involved with ISIS or its activities.

He gave credit to families from minority community for discouraging their children from getting influenced by the terror group.

Singh also assured the Lok Sabha that no innocent person from minority community would be taken into custody with regard to suspected terror activities and if there are such instances, these can be brought to his notice.

"Parents of youths, who come from minority community, are discouraging their children (from coming under influence of radicalism). I appreciate it," Singh said.

Further, he said that minorities in many countries are encouraging ISIS.

Singh made the remarks while responding to queries about the threat of ISIS in India and steps taken by the government in this regard.

It is a fact that some of our youth followed ISIS but it is "negligible", the Minister said.

"We are very much concerned about the activities of ISIS... We are taking all steps to contain it," he said.

Besides, the government assured the House there is not much to worry about the prevailing situation.

Responding to a query on ISIS influence in India, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the matter is "very, very sensitive" and the details cannot be discussed in the House".

"There is nothing much to worry... We need not very much worry about the prevailing situation," he noted.

A series of actions are being taken by the government including augmenting capacity of NSG and tightening of immigration control, among others.